Hollywood Ruined a Classic Anime Film with Its Terrible Live-Action Adaptation

Hollywood’s attempts to adapt classic anime into live-action films often leave fans disappointed. Among these adaptations, Ghost in the Shell (2017), featuring Scarlett Johansson, stands out as a particularly galling example. With the enormous popularity of anime, it is no surprise that Tinseltown strives to translate these beloved narratives for Western audiences. Unfortunately, these endeavors, similar to those seen in book and video game adaptations, frequently fall short, failing to honor the original material and alienating long-time fans.

Take the live-action adaptation of Death Note; it felt rushed and lacked the depth its dark premise warranted. Meanwhile, Alita: Battle Angel showcased stunning visuals and impressive performances, yet was bogged down by a predictable screenplay and disconcerting CG elements. Furthermore, the live-action Cowboy Bebop series missed the quirky dystopian essence of the original, and while it managed to capture some of the ensemble’s fun, it couldn’t replicate the heart that connected so deeply with audiences. However, none of these adaptations can compete with the sheer disappointment delivered by the 2017 version of Ghost in the Shell.

Ghost In The Shell Deserved A Superior Live-Action Adaptation

The 2017 Remake: A Lackluster Imitation

Set against the backdrop of a sprawling New Port City in 2029, Ghost in the Shell presents a gripping tech-noir narrative centered around cybernetic officer Motoko Kusanagi’s pursuit of a mysterious hacker known as the “Puppet Master.” While the core story is relatively straightforward, its groundbreaking cyberpunk visuals and profound thematic exploration of self-identity are what elevate the original 1995 film to iconic status. Regrettably, the 2017 remake is a mere rehash of the original tale, stripping away much of the aesthetic brilliance and thematic depth that made the first film exemplary.

The disparity in critical reception is telling, with the 2017 version garnering only 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, a stark contrast to the original’s impressive 95% rating.

Interestingly, a near-perfect unofficial live-action interpretation was crafted nearly two decades earlier. The Wachowskis, who openly acknowledged the significant influence of Ghost in the Shell on The Matrix, successfully captured both its stunning cyberpunk aesthetic and rich thematic content. In comparison, fans of Ghost in the Shell would be better served rewatching the original The Matrix rather than subjecting themselves to the disappointing remake.

What Went Wrong With Scarlett Johansson’s Live-Action Ghost In The Shell

Uninspired Visuals and Controversial Casting Choices

Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell

Although the 2017 adaptation attempts to mirror the original narrative, it does so with lackluster visuals. While the original Ghost in the Shell established a groundbreaking aesthetic, the remake merely regurgitates the stylistic choices from contemporary sci-fi films of the 21st century. The vivid and intriguing lighting of the original is noticeably absent, even with the live-action adaptation utilizing genuine lighting setups.

A significant controversy surrounding the film lies in its casting choices. The original movie featured an all-Japanese cast, yet the remake predominantly showcases white actors in key roles. Although it includes a few Japanese supporting actors, such as “Beat” Takeshi Kitano and Yutaka Izumihara, the decision to cast Johansson—a white actress—as lead character Motoko Kusanagi sparked substantial backlash.

Envisioning a Better Live-Action Ghost In The Shell Adaptation

The Pitfalls of a Simple Remake

Major Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell (1995) falling during a mission

Future live-action adaptations of Ghost in the Shell should steer clear of simply retelling the original story, which remains a timeless masterpiece. Audiences already have access to the 1995 classic for a firsthand experience of Motoko’s confrontation with the Puppet Master. The fundamental error of the 2017 adaptation was its decision to replicate a narrative already told perfectly, relegating it to the status of an inferior copy.

Instead, a new adaptation could delve into the expansive Ghost in the Shell universe, potentially moving beyond Motoko and exploring other compelling characters. Such an approach could yield a fresh and innovative narrative landscape. It would also be exciting to see a live-action project that aligns more closely with the original manga, akin to Taika Waititi’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Akira. Additionally, a live-action series inspired by Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex could creatively explore the franchise’s rich thematic elements and setting.

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